Watch Charges Dropped

A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed charges against a Broward County man acccused of selling counterfeit watches at the Thunderbird Swap Shop west of Fort Lauderdale.

U.S. District Judge Norman C. Roettger ruled John Torkingtron should not face counterfeiting charges after hearing the argument that selling a replica of a Rolex watch is not trafficking in counterfeit goods, according to Torkington`s attorney, Stephen Broudy.

Prosecutor Stephen LeClair did not dispute that a watch bought by an undercover federal agent at Torkington`s stand was said to be a replica. But LeClair contended in the hearing in Fort Lauderdale, `Society is being deceived` by phony brand-name merchandise.